1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis and
Complementary Health Approaches
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a health condition that causes pain,
swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Conventional
medical treatments are highly effective for RA; however, researchers
are also studying complementary health approaches as possible
additions to RA treatments. Some complementary health approaches
for RA are intended to reduce joint inflammation, and some are
intended to reduce symptoms such as pain. This fact sheet provides
basic information on RA; summarizes scientific research on the
effectiveness and safety of selected mind and body practices, dietary
supplements, and other approaches that have been studied for RA;
and suggests sources for additional information.
Key Points
•
In general, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that
any complementary health approaches are beneficial for RA, and
there are safety concerns about some of them. Some mind and
body practices and dietary supplements may help people with
RA manage their symptoms and therefore may be beneficial
additions to conventional RA treatments, but there is not enough
evidence to draw conclusions.
•
Some complementary health approaches—particularly dietary
supplements—may have side effects or may interact with
conventional medical treatments or each other. Although many
dietary supplements (and some prescription drugs) come from
natural sources, “natural” does not always mean “safe.” In
particular, the herb thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) can
have serious side effects.
•
Conventional treatments are highly effective in slowing or
stopping permanent joint damage in RA. Do not replace
conventional medical therapy for RA with an unproven health
product or practice.
•
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health
approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
© VStock/Thinkstock.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease—a type of condition in which
the immune system, which normally protects the body by fighting infections and diseases,
instead targets the body. RA is different from other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, a
wear-and-tear condition that most commonly occurs as people age. In RA, the immune system
attacks the tissues that line the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and
affecting their ability to work properly. Over time, RA may damage bone and cartilage within
the joints and weaken muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the joints.
RA often begins in middle age and occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although
RA primarily affects the joints, particularly the wrists and fingers, some people with RA may
have other health problems, such as anemia, dry eyes or mouth, and heart or lung problems.
People with RA may have fatigue, occasional fevers, or a general sense of not feeling well. They
may also experience other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, a feeling of helplessness,
and low self-esteem.
Early treatment to avoid permanent joint damage is key for preventing disability and
progression of RA. Treatment for RA combines a variety of approaches and is aimed at
relieving pain, reducing joint swelling, slowing or preventing joint damage, and improving
physical function and well-being. Conventional medicines used for RA include:
•
•
•
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
(DMARDs) to slow the progress of the disease
Biologic response modifiers to reduce
inflammation and structural damage to
the joints
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) and corticosteroids to reduce
inflammation.
Other treatments include surgery, physical
therapy, modified exercise programs, and devices
that ease physical stress on the joints (such as
splints). People with RA are also encouraged to
make lifestyle changes such as balancing activity
with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing
emotional stress.
To find out more about RA, contact the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases (NIAMS) (see For More Information).
About Scientific Evidence
on Complementary
Health Approaches
Scientific evidence on complementary
health approaches includes results from
laboratory research as well as clinical
trials (studies in people). It provides
information on whether an approach is
helpful and safe. Scientific journals
publish study results, as well as review
articles that evaluate the evidence as it
accumulates; fact sheets from the
National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)—like this
one—base information about research
findings primarily on the most rigorous
review articles, known as systematic
reviews and meta-analyses.
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What the Science Says
In general, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that any complementary health
approaches are beneficial for RA, and there are safety concerns about some of them. Some
mind and body practices and dietary supplements may be beneficial additions to conventional
RA treatments, but there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions. This section describes
the scientific evidence on several complementary health approaches studied for RA.
Mind and Body Practices
Results from clinical trials suggest that some mind and body practices—such as relaxation,
mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and yoga—help people with RA manage their symptoms and
therefore may be beneficial additions to conventional treatments.
•
Acupuncture has been studied for a variety of pain conditions, but very little acupuncture
research has focused on RA. Reviews of the research on acupuncture have found
conflicting evidence regarding its usefulness for RA.
•
A 2010 systematic review looked at the benefits of mind and body techniques such as
mindfulness meditation (which involves nonjudgmental attention to experiences in the
present moment), biofeedback, and relaxation training on the physical and psychological
symptoms associated with RA. There was some evidence that these techniques may be
helpful, but overall, the research results have been mixed.
•
A 2008 study compared cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes pain management
with mindfulness meditation for RA. The researchers found that mindfulness meditation,
which helps regulate emotions, improved participants’ ability to cope with pain. The
researchers noted that participants with a history of depression responded better than
others to mindfulness meditation.
•
A few small studies have been conducted on tai chi for RA. In general, tai chi has not been
shown to be effective for joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, although improvements in
mood, quality of life, and overall physical function have been reported.
o
o
A 2010 study examined the effect of practicing tai chi on 15 patients with RA. The
researchers found that tai chi improved muscle strength and endurance, but there was
no evidence that it reduced disease activity or pain.
A 2007 systematic review of the research concluded that the value of tai chi for treating
RA is still unproven. Many factors—including differences in tai chi styles, number of
movements, length of the practice, and qualifications of instructors—add to the
challenge of designing quality tai chi studies. Some people have reported soreness, but
most studies have found that tai chi is relatively safe for people with RA.
3
•
Yoga incorporates several elements of exercise that may be beneficial for arthritis,
including activities that may help improve strength and flexibility. However, only a few
studies have examined yoga for RA. Preliminary studies have found that yoga may improve
physical function and decrease the number of tender and swollen joints. Yoga exercises
should be performed with caution by people with RA who have limited mobility or spinal
problems. People with RA may need assistance in modifying some yoga postures to
minimize joint stress and may need to use props to help with balance.
Dietary Supplements
No dietary supplement has shown clear benefits for RA, but there is preliminary evidence for a
few, particularly fish oil, gamma-linolenic acid, and the herb thunder god vine. Dosage and
safety issues and potential interactions with conventional medicines need to be more
thoroughly evaluated.
Fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids—substances the body needs to perform a
number of important functions. Types of fish high in omega-3s include herring, mackerel,
salmon, and tuna. Fish oil supplements are available as capsules or oils.
•
Clinical trials on RA have found that fish oil supplements may help to relieve tender joints
and morning stiffness. Studies have also found that fish oil may reduce the need for
NSAIDs and other conventional RA medicines. For example, the results of a randomized,
controlled clinical trial published in 2008 found that people who received a blend of cod
liver oil and fish oil over a 9-month period reduced their NSAID intake by more than onethird, compared with those who took a placebo.
•
Because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may make blood clot more slowly, people who
take medications that affect clotting, such as anticoagulants, should discuss the use of fish
oil supplements with a health care provider. Products made from fish liver oils (for
example, cod liver oil) may contain vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids; these
vitamins can be toxic in large doses.
•
For more information on omega-3 fatty acids, see the NCCAM Web site at www.nccam.nih.gov/
health/omega3.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in the oils of some plant seeds,
including evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), borage (Borago officinalis), and black currant
(Ribes nigrum). In the body, GLA may be converted into substances that reduce inflammation.
•
There is some preliminary evidence that GLA may be beneficial for RA; however, the
quality of the studies on GLA has been inconsistent. The more rigorous studies suggest that
GLA may relieve symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness; in some cases,
GLA led to a decreased need for NSAID medication.
•
Side effects of GLA may include headache, soft stools, constipation, gas, and belching. Some
borage oil preparations contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may harm the liver.
4
Thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese
medicine. Extracts are prepared from the skinned root of the herb, as other parts of the plant
are highly poisonous. Thunder god vine can cause severe side effects.
•
Findings from laboratory and animal studies suggest that thunder god vine may fight
inflammation and suppress the immune system. A 2011 systematic review looked at three
human studies of oral (taken by mouth) thunder god vine and one study of topical (applied
to the skin) thunder god vine for RA. The data showed that both oral and topical thunder
god vine may improve some RA symptoms, but the study methods were not consistent
among the trials.
•
A systematic review of the research on thunder god vine for RA concluded that serious side
effects occurred frequently enough that the risk of using it outweighs its benefits.
Depending on the dose and type of extract, thunder god vine may cause serious side
effects. Thunder god vine can affect the reproductive system, possibly causing menstrual
changes in women and infertility in men. Long-term use may decrease bone mineral
density in women, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Other side effects can
include diarrhea, upset stomach, hair loss, headache, and skin rash.
Research on other supplements for RA symptoms is still in the early stages. For example:
•
Varieties of boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, also known as frankincense)
produce a resin that has shown anti-inflammatory and immune system effects in laboratory
and animal studies, but no rigorous clinical trials in people with RA have been conducted.
•
Laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger (Zingiber
officinale). Most of this research has focused on the anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol
compounds—the components of ginger that give it flavor. A 2009 study funded in part by
NCCAM examined whether nongingerol compounds had an antiarthritic effect in rats. The
researchers found that ginger extract with both gingerol and nongingerol components
prevented joint inflammation and destruction better than ginger extract containing only
gingerols. They concluded that the nongingerol compounds may play a role in the
antiarthritic properties of ginger. Although these laboratory and animal studies show some
promise, studies regarding ginger extracts for RA symptoms in people are lacking.
•
A 2010 NCCAM-funded review has found evidence that substances found in green tea
might be useful for RA and osteoarthritis, but the effects of these substances in either type
of arthritis have not been fully tested in people.
•
In animal studies, extracts of turmeric (Curcuma longa) containing the chemical curcumin
were found to protect joints from inflammation. Building on previous laboratory research
that examined turmeric’s anti-arthritic properties, a 2010 study, funded in part by NCCAM,
looked at whether turmeric essential oils (TEO) protected joints in rats. The researchers
found that an oral dose of TEO had an anti-inflammatory effect specific to the joints. There
may be a potential role for turmeric or its components in preventing or slowing RA disease,
but this has not yet been demonstrated in people.
5
Other Types of Complementary Health Approaches Studied for
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Other complementary health approaches have been studied for RA:
•
An NCCAM-funded preliminary study of Ayurvedic medicine, a system of healing that
originated in India and involves using individually prescribed combinations of herbs, found
that classic, individualized Ayurvedic approaches, methotrexate (a conventional medication
frequently used to treat RA), or a combination of both were equally effective in reducing
symptoms of RA. Because this was a small, preliminary study, its results, although
promising, are insufficient to show definitively that Ayurvedic medicine is helpful for RA.
•
Balneotherapy is the technique of bathing in tap or mineral water for health purposes.
Preliminary research on balneotherapy for RA has been conducted in areas where it is most
popular, such as Europe and Israel’s Dead Sea region. Although some benefits have been
reported, there is not enough reliable evidence to draw conclusions.
•
Some people with RA may try following special diets—such as vegetarian and vegan diets,
the Mediterranean diet, and periods of fasting—to control symptoms. Research on these
diets has been inconclusive. Although a few studies suggest that decreasing or eliminating
meat, dairy, or foods likely to cause allergies may help in some cases, others do not. One
drawback is that special diets may be difficult for people to follow over time. In addition,
some diets could put people at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
•
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encompasses multiple practices, including
acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and others. Several practices that are part of TCM,
including acupuncture, tai chi, and the herb thunder god vine, have been studied
individually for RA, as described above. Some research has also been done on TCM as a
whole for RA symptoms and for relief of side effects from conventional RA treatments, but
no conclusions can be reached because of the poor quality of some of the research,
variations in study design, and insufficient data on safety.
If You Are Considering Complementary Health Approaches for
Rheumatoid Arthritis
•
Do not replace proven conventional treatments for RA with unproven health products and
practices. Do not change your use of prescribed RA medications without consulting your health
care provider. Going without effective treatment for RA could lead to permanent joint damage.
•
Be aware that some complementary health approaches—particularly dietary
supplements—may interact with conventional medical treatments. Also consider the
possibility that what’s on the label of a dietary supplement may not be what’s in the bottle;
for example, some tests of dietary supplements have found that the contents did not
match the dose on the label, and some herbal supplements have been found to be
contaminated. To learn more, see the NCCAM fact sheet Using Dietary Supplements Wisely at
nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm.
6
•
Women who are pregnant or nursing or people who are thinking of using a complementary
health approach to treat a child should consult their (or their child’s) health care provider
before using any complementary health approach.
•
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give
them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated
and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary
health approaches, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk.
NCCAM-Funded Research
Recent NCCAM-supported research includes projects studying:
•
•
Approaches such as yoga, fish and borage seed oils, tai chi, and relaxation for RA
symptoms, physical function, and quality of life
How celastrus, a Chinese herb, works on a cellular level and if it has the potential to treat
certain autoimmune diseases such as RA.
Selected References
About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches
Herman CJ, Allen P, Hunt WC, et al. Use of complementary therapies among primary care clinic patients with arthritis.
Preventing Chronic Disease. 2004;1(4):A12.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. Accessed at http://www.niams.nih.gov/
health_info/rheumatic_disease on March 26, 2012.
Taibi DM, Bourguignon C. The role of complementary and alternative therapies in managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Family and Community Health. 2003;26(1):41-52.
Mind and Body Practices
Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United
States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.
Dissanayake RK, Bertouch JV. Psychosocial interventions as adjunct therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a
systematic review. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2010;13(4):324-334.
Gettings L. Psychological well-being in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature. Musculoskeletal Care. 2010;8(2):99-106.
Pradhan EK, Baumgarten M, Langenberg P, et al. Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction in rheumatoid arthritis
patients. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2007;57(7):1134-1142.
Zautra AJ, Davis MC, Reich JW, et al. Comparison of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness meditation interventions on
adaptation to rheumatoid arthritis for patients with and without history of recurrent depression. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 2008;76(3):408-421.
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Acupuncture
Casimiro L, Barnsley L, Brosseau L, et al. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;(4):CD003788 [edited 2010]. Accessed at
http://www.thecochranelibrary.com on August 10, 2012.
Lee H, Lee JY, Kim YJ, et al. Acupuncture for symptom management of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study. Clinical
Rheumatology. 2008;27(5):641-645.
Wang C, de Pablo P, Chen X, et al. Acupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic
review. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2008;59(9):1249-1256.
Tai Chi
Han A, Judd M, Welch V, et al. Tai chi for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
2004;(3):CD004849 [edited 2010]. Accessed at http://www.thecochranelibrary.com on August 10, 2012.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Tai chi for rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review. Rheumatology. 2007;46(11):1648-1651.
Uhlig T, Fongen C, Steen E, et al. Exploring tai chi in rheumatoid arthritis: a quantitative and qualitative study. BMC
Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2010;11:43.
Yoga
Badsha H, Chhabra V, Leibman C, et al. The benefits of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis: results of a preliminary,
structured 8-week program. Rheumatology International. 2009;29(12):1417-1421.
Bosch PR, Traustadóttir T, Howard P, et al. Functional and physiological effects of yoga in women with rheumatoid
arthritis: a pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2009;15(4):24-31.
Haaz S, Bartlett SJ. Yoga for arthritis: a scoping review. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. 2011;37(1):33-46.
Yeh GY. Commentary on the Cochrane review of tai chi for rheumatoid arthritis. Explore. 2008;4(4):275-277.
Dietary Supplements
Ahmed S. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate in arthritis: progress and promise. Arthritis Research and
Therapy. 2010;12(2):208.
Ahmed S, Anuntiyo J, Malemud CJ, et al. Biological basis for the use of botanicals in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis: a review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: e-CAM. 2005;2(3):301-308.
Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S. Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews. 2011;(2):CD002948. Accessed at http://www.thecochranelibrary.com on August 10, 2012.
Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Little CV, et al. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of
arthritis. Part 2: rheumatoid arthritis. Phytotherapy Research. 2009;23(12):1647-1662.
Christie A, Jamtvedt G, Dahm KT, et al. Effectiveness of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for patients
with rheumatoid arthritis: an overview of systematic reviews. Physical Therapy. 2007;87(12):1697-1715.
Efthimiou P, Kukar M. Complementary and alternative medicine use in rheumatoid arthritis: proposed mechanism of
action and efficacy of commonly used modalities. Rheumatology International. 2010;30(5):571-586.
8
Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action,
efficacy, and side effects. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2005;34(6):773-784.
Fish Oil
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipids and Glycemic Control in Type II
Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome and on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Renal Disease, Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus, and Osteoporosis. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment no. 89. Rockville, MD: Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality; 2004. AHRQ publication no. 04-E012-2.
Calder PC. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases. American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition. 2006;83(suppl 6):1505S-1519S.
Cleland LG, James MJ, Proudman SM. The role of fish oils in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs.
2003;63(9):845-853.
DeFilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA. Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention. Current Treatment
Options in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2010;12(4):365-380.
Galarraga B, Ho M, Youssef HM, et al. Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing
agent in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2008;47(5):665-669.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Little CV, Parsons T. Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
2000;(4):CD002948 [edited 2009]. Accessed at http://www.thecochranelibrary.com on August 10, 2012.
Thunder God Vine
Canter PH, Lee HS, Ernst E. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials of Tripterygium wilfordii for rheumatoid
arthritis. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(5):371-377.
Tao X, Younger J, Fan FZ, et al. Benefit of an extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in patients with rheumatoid
arthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2002;46(7):1735-1743.
Turmeric
Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, et al. Anti-arthritic effects and toxicity of the essential oils of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2010;58(2);842-849.
Boswellia
Ammon HP. Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Medica. 2006;72(12):1100-1116.
Chevrier MR, Ryan AE, Lee DY, et al. Boswellia carterii extract inhibits TH1 cytokines and promotes TH2 cytokines in
vitro. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 2005;12(5):575-580.
Fan AY, Lao L, Zhang RX, et al. Effects of an acetone extract of Boswellia carterii Birdw. (Burseraceae) gum resin on rats
with persistent inflammation. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2005;11(2):323-331.
9
Ginger
Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo, JN, et al. Comparative effects of two gingerol-containing Zingiber officinale extracts on
experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Natural Products. 2009;72(3):403-407.
Lantz RC, Chen GJ, Sarihan M, et al. The effect of extracts from ginger rhizome on inflammatory mediator production.
Phytomedicine. 2007;14(2-3):123-128.
Green Tea
Ahmed S. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate in arthritis: progress and promise. Arthritis Research and
Therapy. 2010;12(2):208.
Other Types of Complementary Health Approaches
Ayurvedic Medicine
Furst DE, Venkatraman MM, McGann M, et al. Double-blind, randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing classic
Ayurvedic medicine, methotrexate, and their combination in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.
2011;17(4):185-192.
Balneotherapy
Anain JM Jr, Bojrab AR, Rhinehart FC. Conservative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis in the foot and ankle. Clinics in
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 2010;27(2):193-207.
Verhagen AP, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Boers M, et al. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews. 2004;(1):CD000518 [edited 2008]. Accessed at http://www.thecochranelibrary.com on August 10, 2012.
Special Diets
Stamp LK, James MJ, Cleland LG. Diet and rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature. Seminars in Arthritis and
Rheumatism. 2005;35(2):77-94.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zhang C, Jiang M, Lü A-P. Evidence-based Chinese medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. 2011;31(2):152-157.
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For More Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on NCCAM and complementary health
approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical
literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations,
or referrals to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
NIAMS supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and
musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of scientists; and the sharing of research-based
information. Examples of publications include Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Web site: www.niams.nih.gov
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-877-22-NIAMS
PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains publication information and (in
most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals.
Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
Acknowledgments
NCCAM thanks the following people for their technical expertise and review of the 2012 update
of this publication: Trish Reynolds, R.N., M.S., and colleagues, NIAMS; Diana Taibi, Ph.D., R.N.,
University of Washington; Robert Zurier, M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School;
and Carol Pontzer, Ph.D., and John (Jack) Killen, Jr., M.D., NCCAM.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain.
Duplication is encouraged.
NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the
medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to
discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health
♦♦♦
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Created October 2009
Updated July 2013